2018 DB11 Infotainment Questions

[evenflow]

Hi all - posting for a friend who has his eyes on a beautiful 2018 V8 DB11 but has a few concerns over the modernity of the sat nav and infotainment. Have tried looking online but can't find any definitive answers.

Main questions are whether the sat nav would have full postcode entry (i.e. SW1 1AA rather than just SW1 1), and are there software upgrades available? I don't think it comes with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but can these be retrofitted?

Thanks in advance.

[Octavarium]

evenflow said:

Hi all - posting for a friend who has his eyes on a beautiful 2018 V8 DB11 but has a few concerns over the modernity of the sat nav and infotainment. Have tried looking online but can't find any definitive answers.

Main questions are whether the sat nav would have full postcode entry (i.e. SW1 1AA rather than just SW1 1), and are there software upgrades available? I don't think it comes with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but can these be retrofitted?

Thanks in advance.

The DB11 infotainment system has full 6 digit post-code capability. Mine is an MY19.5 model, but as far as I know the system is the same in all year specs. It's not Mercedes latest system by any stretch, but it is infinitely better than what I had in my DB9GT.

CarPlay and Android Auto can be fitted retrospectively. Those fine people at Aston Installations fitted mine. I do add a note of caution though, in that in my opinion, the quality of the audio through the wired Apple CarPlay system that I use with iOS 13.5 is not as good as if my iPhone is connected via bluetooth. I play my music via the iPhone's Apple Music app, so not sure if the same issue is apparent if you use Spotify etc. Others may disagree but I find the output is somewhat flat and less well defined through the wired CarPlay connection.

Your book sounds intriguing by the way. Might give that a try.

Edited by Octavarium on Sunday 21st June 20:31

[evenflow]

Thank you very much indeed for your comprehensive reply - I have passed on the info.

Thanks also for the mention of the book. If you do get a copy (it's very reasonably priced!) I hope you enjoy

[VantageHead]

DB11 and new Vantage share same Mercedes infotainment system.

Here’s Apple CarPlay on my new Vantage. (I’ve replaced music on the video with royalty free music to avoid YouTube content match blocking).

Click here for YouTube link.

Screenshot:



I had mine installed by Enhance Audio in the UK ( link), and am now enjoying wireless Apple CarPlay (the install includes Android auto as well). The kit is designed for the Mercedes COMAND NTG 5.1 Infotainment system used in the Vantage.

Works flawlessly and added bonus that it works wirelessly! Sound quality same through Apple CarPlay as through direct Aston/FMercedes Bluetooth connection.

Loving using Waze instead of the ‘dated’ Mercedes SatNav. Pleased to have wireless CarPlay though, and works with all the existing Aston (Mercedes) controls, including those on the steering wheel. Not many car manufacturers fit wireless CarPlay as standard - BMW/Mini are amongst the few that do. It makes using CarPlay so effortless, and no leads and wires to mess around with!

This kit can also be fitted by budding owners (should they wish) - its made by XCarlinkit. Installation instructions can be found here ( Link).

ATB. George.